Watten reaping rewards of ‘hard work and dedication’
Scott Bremner insists Watten will remain grounded as they push for promotion and prepare for a cup semi-final next month.
In his first season as manager, Bremner has overseen a turnaround for the village club by setting high standards and aiming to be as professional as possible.
Last season Watten came fifth in Caithness AFA Division Two, acquiring 12 points over the course of the campaign. This year they have matched their previous points tally and sit joint third in the division.
Their promotion hopes suffered a setback on Wednesday when they lost 2-1 at home to Halkirk but the mood remains positive.
They are through to the semi-finals of the Eain Mackintosh Cup for the first time, and will be up against first division side Staxigoe on July 2.
Watten’s last silverware came more than 30 years ago in 1992 when they won the second division title.
Bremner explained: “I joined Watten with a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve, both in terms of our playing style and the personnel on the team and coaching staff.
“We implemented a more structured approach for the players. We started our pre-season early, with training twice a week.
“Even now, with the league in full swing, we maintain a rigorous training schedule. Our focus has been on elevating professional standards as much as possible.”
The cup run began emphatically with a 6-2 home victory over Thurso Pentland. Watten then defeated Halkirk 2-0 away to book their spot in the last four.
They may be one win away from a cup final and looking to fight for a play-off spot, but Bremner is refusing to get over-excited.
“It would be an incredible achievement for everyone at the club to achieve such milestones,” he said. “However, we remain grounded.
“The league is highly competitive with the top four clubs all capable of securing the play-off spot. We need to be at our best in every match and the same applies to cup competitions too.
“While we acknowledge the excitement and potential, our focus is on hard work and dedication.”
As it stands there are only two points separating second from fifth place.
Watten were victims of a congested fixture list this week with the squad having games on Monday and Wednesday, with only one full day’s rest. Monday night brought a 3-0 win against Thurso Pentland at the Dammies, then in midweek they hosted Halkirk – the team they had knocked out of the Eain Mackintosh Cup at the quarter-final stage.
Watten took an early lead through a Shane Honeyman penalty but Halkirk hit back with two second-half goals. Alan Larnach got the equaliser and Ryan Forbes converted a late spot-kick.
Bremner said: “The journey so far has been remarkable. The players have been outstanding and have embraced our philosophy.
“Of course, player availability, fixture rescheduling and ensuring everything is in place on match days is a challenge. However, they are challenges every club faces.
“For me it’s about staying calm and having confidence in our process.”
Bremner also explained his long-term vision for Watten, saying: “Like every club and manager, our aim is to win, secure promotions and lift trophies.
“Our current focus is on taking it one step at a time. We have a young team that is making the club proud. Our priority is to support their growth alongside the club's development.
“I am proud to be part of this club and I believe we’re on the right path.”
Results – CAFA Division One: High Ormlie Hotspur 3, Castletown 1; Wick Thistle 0, Staxigoe United 2; High Ormlie Hotspur 5, John O’Groats 0; Pentland United 7, Castletown 0; Wick Groats 0, Staxigoe United 5; Wick Thistle 3, Lybster 1.
Division Two: Pentland 0, Watten 3; Top Joe’s 0, Keiss 4; Swifts 3, Acks 1; Watten 1, Halkirk 2.
Colin Macleod Memorial Cup final: Pentland United 2, Wick Groats 1 (at Castletown).
Eain Mackintosh Cup, quarter-finals: Halkirk 0, Watten 2; Swifts 0, Lybster 3.
